discomfort

The Western operating authorities are wisely concentrating their main line diesel power at individual sheds, beginning with Laira, so that engine-crews do not have the rather demoralising experience of switching about constantly between the comfort and ease of diesel handling and the relative discomfort and hard work of the steam footplate, as on other Regions.

Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.